ROCKETS RED GLARE

Isn’t July about freedom and unity?

By Forest Riggs

This month is all about freedom, unity, celebrations, parades and fireworks. Galveston Island puts on one great parade and firework show as the sun goes down. At dusk and after the parade, the beach sky lights up with multiple rockets exploding across the night sky. The multi-colored sprays of colored fire, reflect on the restless waves below and dance along the lighted spires of the Pleasure Pier. Locals and visitors line the Seawall to watch the spectacular. Year after year, the July 5th edition of The Daily News leads with a front page filled with over-sized photos of the previous night’s sky offerings. Galveston is known for its celebrations and the frivolity that comes with public gatherings and displays. There is an inherent image that the island works hard to portray and maintain; all are welcome — one big, happy family.

Recently I sat in my study and l looked over a handful of local monthly periodicals that are readily available in stores, shops, bars and restaurants. In addition to The Montrose Star, these include (but not limited to) Coast Monthly, Waves, Galveston Monthly and Island Soul. There are many more magazines, some from the real estate market, some from rental agencies, the music scene and beat life, Chamber of Commerce and several tourism promotional materials. All depict a highly desired, beautiful destination for business, pleasure, academics and just a change of life to a more simple and aesthetic beach environment. It is true, Galveston is a laid back place in which to hang out, visit, live, work or even re-locate.

With all of these offerings and more, it is no wonder folks have a positive and almost envious perception of those of us that are privileged enough to call the bar island home.

If I were called upon to deliver a “State of the Island” address, and in reference to the very large alternative lifestyle community (previously known as the “gay community” but now has many monikers filled with a zillion letters and codes to be all inclusive), I would have a great deal to say. The current status is not good.

“Can’t we all just get along?”
—Rodney King

Yes, there is division among the lavender troops here in Galvetraz! The community has never been more divided and filled with anger, jealousy, judgment, gossip and, honestly, mean bullshit! The increasing political pall that has draped itself over the entire country and has founds its nasty path to little old Galveston Island. Personal politics has become a variable in a nasty equation that is turning friend against friend, bar against bar and causing division and unrest at an alarming level.

Lincoln said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” I will say “the community” on the
island is, at best, wobbling! It needs to stop!

Recently I was speaking with one of the local bar owners that have a large “alternative” clientele and we both agreed folks just need to grow up, shut up and step-up. I do think it is important and healthy for communities to have certain bars where all can feel welcome and safe, and we have this on the island, in a few places.

Yet, there is a ongoing battle about “flying pride flags” or choosing not to, or a place becoming labeled a “MAGA bar” or a “snowflake bar filled with liberal ‘dumbocrats.’”

People! Get over it! In a time when gays and all the ABC’s are being attacked and legislated against, how can we expect onlookers to accept us, if we cannot accept ourselves and each other? This includes our politics, religion, personal choices and what makes each of us unique. Personally, I am sick of it.

Oh, there are those among us that like to stir the pot, rabble rouse and act as catalyst to the negativity. I was recently attacked online for simply posting on my Facebook page a Ukrainian meme, saying I supported Ukraine. There will always be those little and insecure people around, in every community. Why? What difference does it make?

There are even those that have gone as far as to project their stupidity and division-causing actions, by creating Facebook pages, targeting and attacking other individual(s). This has got to stop if we are to survive as a thriving community. Rodney King was so correct when he asked if we could all just get along.

This is not an easy “Across the Causeway” column for me to write, for multiple reasons. I love this community and for the past 20 years have promoted it as a beautiful, welcoming and wonderful place to live, especially if you might not fit into what society says you must be. I implore my friends and acquaintances here to stop the nastiness, the infighting and the bitterness. There is room for all here, whether rainbow flag flyer, MAGA bar owner (as some have been accused), Democrat vs. Republican, liberal or conservative or whatever.

Knowing both sides of the coin and trying to surf through it is difficult; a lot of the problem is based on lies, misunderstandings, rumor and gossip. Again, I say, “Grow up, shut up and stand up.”

It’s time.

Having written all this and perhaps damaging the beautiful picture I usually try to convey in this column, regarding the community in Galveston, I only offer it in hopes that some might stop, think about their attitude and actions and how it is misrepresenting a beautiful place to live. If you differ with someone or their politics, so be it. We can’t do any collective good if we are at each other’s throat.

I wish you all peace and a warm spirit of reconciliation.

Forest Riggs lives in Galveston. His book, ‘Galveston Memories and Related Stories’ is available at Amazon.com, OutSkirtsPress.com and ForestRiggs.com.

Related Posts

About author

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Do not miss